The title of a famous children novella first published in 1943.

It is the most famous work of the French aristocrat writer, poet and pioneering aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Since 1979, it is also the name of a fabulous little gourmand boutique in Birmingham, Michigan.

Adorable So French! creations. Have a look for yourself: 

Le Petit Prince Bakery, Est. 1979

Le Petit Prince

124 W 14 Mile Rd, Birmingham, MI, USA

+1 248-644-7114 ‎

Every day brings its share of little miracles.

That’s the opinion of a positive thinker.

Yesterday was no exception for me.

Another one of my dreams came true and I am thrilled to be able to share it with you.

I was notified that I was a featured author in The Self Publishing Magazine, a UK magazine about the ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of self publishing.

I was so excited about the fantabulous news that I screamed while jumping for joy!

In The Self Publishing Magazine, Spring 2012, Issue 22 on page 15, you will find a glimpse into the reading world of “moi”- Andra Paddio. I share my favorite authors and literary inspiration. Then, on page 38, you can read a very lovely review from the editors on my first book “What makes France So French?”

Here are a few excerpts from the review:

“Andra narrates via a curious mix of metacommentary from her intellectual diary – her own version of a private journal- and an engaging travelogue account of her fumbling introduction to European culture.”

[sigh! Just makes me want to blush!! And it gets even better:]

“Beautifully presented, this catchy read is a bright, engaging memoir, and a welcome reminder that all dreams are meant to be pursued, no matter how simple or achievable they may seem.”

The Self Publishing Magazine, Spring 2012, Issue 22

I’m very happy and proud to say that the editors heard my message loud and clear. My goal in writing this book is to inspire others to Carpe diem – seize the day – and live out your dreams no matter how impossible they may seem. The easy roads in life teach you very little. Following the road less travelled will take you on the spiritual, emotional and physical journeys of your life. We all have stories to tell. Share your wisdom and help make the world a better place.

Per aspera ad astra – through hardships to the stars –

A few “Merci beaucoups” are in order.

1. A “merci” to Rocco Baviera, the gifted artist who knew exactly how to create “moi” and my little white poodle, who follows me everywhere:

http://www.roccobaviera.com

2. A “merci” to Stuart Sheldon and his wonderful company for printing my book:

http://rpgraphics.com/rp_cms/

3. A “merci” to The Self Publishing Magazine and Troubador Publishing for featuring me and my book in their Spring 2012 Issue 22:

http://www.selfpublishingmagazine.co.uk/

If you are considering self publishing or you know someone who is, check out their website and magazine – it’s a goldmine of information!

All the very best always,

Andra (o:

P.S. Remember that "all dreams are meant to be pursued, no matter how simple or achievable they may seem."

May your day be:

• as Adventurous as the life of a butterfly,

• as Beautiful as the inside of a tulip,

• as Colourful as a rainbow,

• as Delightful as a ladybug,

• as Excellent as a crack of thunder,

• as Fantastic as a the first green leaf buds,

• as Great as the alphabet which gives us the words to describe 

• The Beauty of Nature....

Did you know that in France, there is no Easter Bunny?!

Ghast - I know, this surprised me too!!

In fact, the French like to believe there are Easter Bells that came from Rome, Italy (yes, I'm serious!) with lots of chocolates to hide in gardens for the children to find. 

The Germans believe in the Easter Bunny thing - 

Either way, the most important thing is chocolate!

And if you can, Fair Trade chocolate to make sure there is no exploitation of poor children. 

(cf: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15681986) 

Happy Easter to all and to all a great day!!

All the best,

Andra (o: 

Spring – one of the loveliest seasons, my favourite in fact.

Everything is so bright, sunny and blooming with colour.

Here is a recipe that will inspire the fresh, lightheartedness of Spring:

Raspberry Tiramisu aux Biscuits Roses de Reims

Makes 4 individual servings:

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Refrigeration time: 4 hours minimum

• 200 grams of raspberries (fresh is best)

• 250 grams of mascarpone

• 3 eggs

• 75 grams of sugar

• The zest of one lemon

• 10 Biscuits Roses de Reims

• Four tablespoons of slivered or shaved almonds

• 4 chocolate decorations (like Mikado or chocolate shavings)

Crush the Biscuits Roses and place into 4 lovely serving cups.

Whip the mascarpone with a fork, set aside. Separate the egg yolks from the whites.

In a new bowl, whip the yolks with the sugar and lemon zest. Add this mixture to the mascarpone and blend well.

Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold into mascarpone mixture.

Alternately add the creamy mixture a few raspberries and then the crumbled biscuits into the serving cups.

Chill for four hours.

Just before serving, decorate by adding the almonds, a few cookie crumbs with a few fresh raspberries and the Mikado.

For the photos, check out my Favorite Recipes entry for "Welcome Spring 2012".

Enjoy!!

In honour of this special leap day,

I would like to share a little secret with you:

While in France, I consumed - yes, ate -

one (just one) frog leg!

I had no choice - really!

Picture it:

a table full of avid French gourmands putting pressure on me.

Literally waving the forked frog leg at my nose.

The French can be very persuasive...it was like an initiation -

one of many - they are all in my book.

The second book is coming along perfectly. 

There are lots of adventurous moments, which make me laugh hysterically outloud as I write.

Sometimes, I even cry - of joy or frustration.

C'est la vie, non? Afterall, life is like a roller coaster isn't it?

Have a wonderful Leap Year 2012

and

if you should happen to see a one-legged frog

- it's my fault.

All the best and until next time,

Take care and keep whisking up magic!

Andra (o:

P.S. Oh! The frog leg tasted like: chicken!! seriously!!!

P.S.S. Speaking of frog legs: check out this fabulous website:

http://stores.ebay.fr/the-frog-legged-frenchie

Mathematics have never really interested nor inspired me - on second thought.....

Looking back, the only problem solving questions I liked were the ones where you had to calculate sales promotions.

Nowadays, I see math everywhere - especially in the kitchen.

I have the habit of doubling and tripling recipes to save time.

Naturally, this involves math. It can get pretty sticky too - so I use my Aunt's method - a handful of this and a pinch of that. She's still kicking around - in her 80's - gotta love the woman - an illiterate woman who kept all of her Italian traditions and heritage. She still signs everything with an "x" - she has the memory of an elephant! 

She makes the best cookies and OMG - her gnocchi ! roll over and play dead!

Oh!? So, why did I choose to speak about math today? 

Well, as we make our way through Winter to Spring:

February sticks out all red and Valentinish.

It is the perfect month for everything chocolate.

Just take a look on Twitter right now - chocolate recipes everywhere!!

So, I have been inspired to wander back into the kitchen to make a few decadent chocolate desserts for a special French traditional  Mardi Gras/Chandelure feast of crêpes and galettes (stuffed with anything and everything you can imagine).

I'll be doubling and tripling because I never send my guests home empty handed.

Just last week, I hosted a triple fondue night - what a night that was!

I'll have to share that the next time, along with some photos and recipes.

Therefore, I conclude with this very culinary and mathematical equation:  

February + Kitchen + Magical Whisk = SMILES + MEMORIES + GOURMANDISES 

I just love the word - gourmandises!

Get crackin' and enjoy all the wonders February has to offer! 

Bake and share some love! 

All the best,

Andra (o:

Happy 2012 to all !

Yes, it is already January 

A lot of people think that during these winter months, things get dreary 

Wrong!  Winter for us perhaps - but it is summer in Australia for example.

There's no time to be bored, depressed or under the weather.  

It's a time for hobbies - to plan gardens and outdoor deco. 

Chin up and get active!

From the smallest balcony to the most grand of gardens, there is always more room for bulbs, plants, trees, outdoor furniture and heck, why not, a wind chime, bird feeder, house or bath.

Think of a statue, cherub, water pond, frog, garden, fountain - for the environmentally friendly factor, they now run on solar power.

Take me for example:

My twinkle lights from Christmas are still outside because they were a double duty investment - they are solar and white.

The tiny LED lights go on and off all by themselves.

They blend in perfectly with my arches and I can't wait to see my blooming wisteria wrapped around them. (No, I am not a Desperate Housewife! I loved wisteria long before Brie (she's my favourite) and Company.)

So don't despair - Spring is right around the corner and you know what? soon it will be winter in Australia!!

All the very best for 2012, health, happiness, prosperity and adventure!

Per aspera ad astra

Andra 

Did Scrooge steal time?

I just created a monster list of chores to do today. Am I nuts?

(yeah, you can say 'yes').

Why do we always do these things?

We pile on the chores (thank goodness for lists!) and then we feel guilty when we don't get everything done.

No human ever does get everything done on their own - that's why the smart ones like to delegate.

Anyone out there want to do my laundry today? Oh - there are about 24 pairs of dirty socks - some of which have divorced or separated from their partners since last week - so where do all the lonely socks go? - but I digress..:/.

I could simply buy cookies for Christmas - but that would be against my personal cookie religion - since I have inherited mounds of delicious recipes over the years...and the smell of fresh baked goodness at this time of year is like snowflakes on the tip of your tongue - simply divine;)

So, what else is on this list - ah yes - the holiday shopping... Thankfully I did most of mine on line. I love surprising my loved ones with rare treasures you just don't find in stores. And I love when parcels arrive with the postman - even if they are gifts for someone else. Come to think of it - my postman must think I'm loonie -  I jump at the door before he rings, almost eveytime. I have radar on the guy - lol. 

http://www.passporttofrance.com is a great place to shop for French goodies - they can get just about anything in record time. I think they have elves working for them all year round.  They are also on eBay:

http://myworld.ebay.com/passport-to-france

However, I do need to brave the shops for a few items today. I'll have to go early or during the meal times - my personal shopper's advice:

Shop when the others are sleeping or eating  but I am sure you already knew that!

Well, as I sip the last few drops of this delicious coffee, and before I attack this list of chores, my thoughts go out to you - pace yourself and if you can't get everything done, there's always tomorrow.

Smile as you go and brighten the lives of the people around you.  

Holiday cheer is a year 'round thing - at least that's what every good little Canadian learns in pre-school - no wonder we are such happy and friendly people!

Cheers and happy baking, happy shopping and happy everthing!

Maybe a 2nd coffee and some TwitterTime before I get to work....

Where did 2011 go? 

This is the question I have been asking myself as of late.

"So much to do and so little time," is what I constantly hear from everyone around me.

I confess, I say it too sometimes. 

So, what to do? I bake - lol - a lot!

When I have had enough of running on life's treadmill - I say:

"Enough!!! Where the heck is that recipe for.... ah! found it and I grab my whisk!"

Making magic is great fun and baking for friends and loved one is a blast!

I get more pleasure in baking and sharing with others than tasting what I have made.

("I know it's simply divine," she says batting her Audrey Hepburn'ish eyelashes.)

LOL - modesty is important, but hey, I was literally born with a whisk in my hand!

Have a great November to all and get those Christmas cookie recipes out :

I would love to hold an "International Andra Bake-athon" where everyone is dressed like "June Cleaver" - ahhh, the 50's, when life was as simple as pie.

Or was it really?

"Hey, like, can we talk June ?-  like please give me the REAL scoop !"

Better still: 

 "Doris Day, if you're out there, I would love to sit and chat about the real meaning of life and if you smiled because you wanted to or because you had to."

Uh -oh - Andra's going philosophical on us - LOL

Time for an early morning coffee - nicely espresso-like, what else?!  (o:

All the very best with whipped cream on top (don't worry, it's virtual - no calories!)

Toodles,

Andra (o: